Family | NEWTRITION

Julie’s Detox Smoothie

April 28, 2011 by Lauren 1 Comment

My cousin Julie was in town from San Fransisco for Passover and introduced my Mom to her favorite detox smoothie. Julie and her husband Dorian drank this smoothie while doing a cleanse and have fallen in love with how delicious and nutritious it is!

Mom, Julie & I at Passover Seder

My Mom has now became obsessed with this detox smoothie and made it for me this morning before I went to work. I must say, this smoothie was a great start to my day…thanks Jan!
Julie’s Detox Smoothie1 1/2 cups Almond Milk
1/2 cup coconut water
1 tsp flax oil or hemp oil
1/2 avocado
1 kale leaf
1/2 cup frozen mango (substitute with any frozen fruit of your choice)
1/2 cup of ice (optional)
1 tsp agave nectar (optional)
Jan used blueberries and mango todaymake sure to blend well making sure all of the ingredients are incorporated yummmm!!!!!!!!
Have a great day!

Filed Under: family, recipes Tagged With: family, recipes

Passover Seder

April 20, 2011 by Lauren 2 Comments

I’m not very religious, but I grew up in a traditional Jewish home where my parents instilled important Jewish family traditions that have been in our family for decades. One of the most important Jewish holidays is Passover. This is one of my favorite holidays because it’s about getting your family together, telling stories, relaxing and eating amazingly good food! Side note: I don’t have to miss work or go to synagogue.
My mother makes a beautiful Passover Seder every year. This year she had 30 people at our house and slaved away in the kitchen for weeks on end to make the perfect Seder for our family. She is super organized and takes pride in keeping our family traditions alive. Every year she seems to outdo herself and it amazes me how she has the energy and passion to create such an amazing family ambiance. Here is a recap of my family’s 2011 Passover Seder.
The beautiful Seder table
Oh how I love this chandelier that was once my grandma Rita’sPassover haggadah book where we read the prayers fromWhitney and I at the Sedar tablebaby Miles hanging out with his Daddy!such a little munchkin face!

Farfel muffinsMy Mom… makes better gefitle fish than your Mom
Don’t even try to argue with me it’s a secret family recipeInstead of traditional brisket, Jan decided to switch it up and serve beef tenderloin this yearah-mazing.mashed potatoesroasted brussel spoutsstrawberry jello moldmatzo kugelCharoset: apples, cinnamon, pecans, and a bit of red wine
Last but not least… DESERT!

Jan’s signature passover triffleheaven on earthPassover cheesecake for cousin Suzanne’s 10th Birthdaymake a wish…!

Ruth’s passover mandel breadI could have eaten the entire tray

Not only was it great to see my family but I even took home some amazing leftovers! Gosh, I love leftovers. Who doesn’t?!

I am trying to keep passover this year but knowing me I will probably blow it on something that’s not worth eating. Since I’m not very religious I follow these rules aka I make up my own rules. Duh.

Matzo tends to be very binding, so this year I didn’t even buy it and I plan to stay away from all bread products and eat lots of fruit, veggies, and lean protein.

I’m actually surprised I haven’t broken it already.
Clearly I’ve had no self control in the past.

Happy Passover!

Filed Under: family, holidays Tagged With: family, holidays

Canyon Southwest Cafe, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

March 24, 2011 by Lauren 1 Comment

Last Friday night I ate a fantastic meal at Canyon Southwest Cafe. Although they don’t take reservations it was well worth the wait…actually my parents waited while my siblings and I hung out at the hotel until a table was available. This quaint small cafe has a cozy atmosphere, great service and may I also add the food was DELICIOUS. If you are ever in the Fort Lauderdale area I highly recommend you dine at Canyon.
Prickly pair margarita their signature drink tuna tar tar with crispy tortillas, wasabi cream & chili sauce chicken quesadillas with jalapeno jack cheese, roasted corn, charred tomato and cilantro pesto spiced bison medallions with a corn salsa white truffle manchego cheese potato chips ’canyon’ mac and cheese topped with panko bread crumbs panko crusted chicken milanese with smoked mozzarella, marinated tomatoes, over baby greens pan simmered grouper with marinated tomatoes, jumbo lump crab, over sauteed green beans white chocolate bread pudding over a berry reduction sauce chocolate mouse pie
We have a birthday in the house… HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!Jan looks so happy in the background
how fab are my sun burnt legs? I swear I wore spf 30 everyday!
Have a great day!

Filed Under: family, restaurant, travel Tagged With: family, restaurant, travel

Florida Engagement Party!

March 23, 2011 by Lauren 1 Comment

The entire reason I went to Florida was for my cousins engagement party. Not only did I get a great tan, relax on the beach and spend quality time with my family, I also was a human garbage disposal.of course our flight is delayed but at least we are tan!
Here are the highlights from the engagement party, hosted by my Aunt Andrea & Uncle David.
The beautiful couple’s sign in board sissy boo & IAppetizers: baked brie, cheeses, nuts & fruit gooey happinessMain Course: mixed green salad freshly baked breadbeef tenderloin filet crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside baked mahi mahi with hazelnuts and bananasmashed potatoes…a-mazing!Desert: mini tiramisu & flat parfaits assorted cookies and brownies, YUM!!!time to boogie!Aunt Gail!Me, Aunt A, Mom & Sissythe sibshiiiii buddyhow cute? the happy couple! Congrats Jared & Dana!!!! May your lives be filled with much love, good health and happiness. Let the wedding festivities be continued! xoxoxoxo

Filed Under: family, travel Tagged With: family, travel

Veggie Soup Concoction

January 19, 2011 by Lauren Leave a Comment

I HATE winter.

It is such an inconvenience aka my family is forbidding me from driving home in this gorgeous Chicago icy disaster.

RUDE.

When is Summer? Since it’s so darn nasty outside my parents decided to be a cute little tag team and make this delicious veggie soup concoction.

Jan and Marc’s Veggie Soup Concoction

2 bone- in skinless chicken breasts
1/2 onion chopped
2 carrots evenly sliced
2 small potatoes diced
2 cans of tomato sauce
2 cups of water
1 15-oz can of chicken broth
1 can of red kidney beans
1 cup of pasta (any kind you like)
1 package of manischewitz soup mix
1/4 cup of olive oil (yes, it’s a lot of oil but this is a big recipe!)

In a large pot, take 1/4 cup of olive oil and sear the chicken breast until golden brown on both sides- season well with salt and pepper. Next, add the onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes to the pot and let them saute with the chicken for 10 minutes.

Add the chicken stock, tomato sauce, water, beans, soup mix, and pasta. Bring to a boil and then reduce. Cover with a lid and simmer for 1-2 hours. Remove the chicken breasts from the bone and shred into the soup.

This recipe also works well in the slow cooker. Just throw all ingredients into the slow cooker except for the pasta and turn on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Don’t forget to remove the chicken breast from the bone and add the pasta.
happiness.